Energy Concepts Overview

Study Notes

Energy

Energy: The ability to do work or cause change.
Work: The transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied to an object and the object moves in the direction of the force. Work is measured in joules.
Law of Conservation of Energy: A principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.
Kinetic Energy: Energy an object has due to its motion.
Potential Energy: Stored energy based on an object's position or condition.
Mechanical Energy: The total energy of motion and position of an object.
Thermal Energy: Energy related to the temperature of an object, often referred to as heat energy.
Electrical Energy: Energy caused by movement of charged particles (electrons).
Radiant (Electromagnetic) Energy: Energy carried by electromagnetic waves, including light and X-rays.
Sound Energy: Energy carried by sound waves.
Gravitational Potential Energy: Energy stored due to an object's height and mass.
Chemical Energy: Energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules.
Nuclear Energy: Energy stored in the nucleus of an atom, released during nuclear reactions.
Elastic Energy: Energy stored when an object is stretched or compressed.
Second Law of Thermodynamics: A principle stating that systems naturally move toward increased disorder (entropy), and energy transfer always increases total entropy.

Renewable and Non-renewable Energy

Renewable Energy: Energy that comes from sources that can be naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, and water.
Nonrenewable Energy: Energy from sources that exist in limited quantities and cannot be replaced quickly, like fossil fuels.

Types of Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels: Fuels formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals, including coal, oil, and natural gas.
Oil: A liquid fossil fuel used for transportation and producing various products.
Gas: A fossil fuel, often in the form of natural gas, used for heating and electricity.
Coal: A solid fossil fuel primarily used for electricity generation.

Other Energy Sources

Nuclear Power: Energy generated by splitting atoms, usually uranium, in a controlled nuclear reaction.
Fission: The process of splitting the nucleus of an atom to release energy.
Biofuel Power: Energy produced from organic materials like plants, crops, or waste.
Geothermal Power: Energy generated from the heat stored within the Earth.
Wind Power: Energy generated by harnessing the movement of air using turbines.
Solar Power: Energy harnessed from sunlight using solar panels.
Hydropower: Energy generated by the movement of water, usually through dams.

Electricity

Electricity: The flow of electric charge, typically through a conductor, used to power devices.
Negative Charge: An electrical property of particles (like electrons) having more electrons than protons.
Positive Charge: An electrical property of particles having more protons than electrons.
Static Electricity: The buildup of electric charge on the surface of an object due to friction.
Conductor: A material that allows electricity to flow easily.
Insulator: A material that does not allow electricity to flow easily.
Current: The flow of electric charge through a conductor, measured in amps.
Amps: The unit of measurement for electric current.
Voltage: The electrical force or pressure that pushes electrons through a circuit, measured in volts.
Volts: The unit of measurement for voltage.
Resistance: The opposition to the flow of electric current in a material, measured in ohms.
Ohm's Law: A rule stating that the current in a circuit equals the voltage divided by the resistance.
Electromagnetic Induction: The process of generating electricity by moving a wire through a magnetic field.
Series Circuit: A circuit where components are connected end to end, forming a single path for the current.
Parallel Circuit: A circuit where components are connected in multiple paths, allowing current to flow through different branches independently.
Battery: A device that stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy.
Anode: The negative terminal of a battery where electrons flow out.
Cathode: The positive terminal of a battery where electrons flow in.
Electrolyte: A substance that allows ions to move between the anode and cathode.